About the course

This course will address practitioners’ concerns about treating the neck in the context of evaluating risk and receiving consent. The course is relevant and important for all practitioners who have patients complaining of neck and head pain. We dispel the myth that the topic is relevant only for those who use thrust techniques.

There has been much recent debate about the association between manual therapy and adverse events relating to stroke and cervical artery dysfunction. This one day masterclass draws content from recent evidence and provides tools to practitioners to enhance clinical reasoning in triaging their patients and making informed decisions with their patients about whether manual treatment is appropriate. Presentations and case based practical work will enable participants to evaluate their current knowledge, identify their learning needs and provide current knowledge and skills based training to enhance practice. Relevant theory, epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical research will be used to give participants up to date knowledge and will be applied in the context of clinical reasoning. Consent related matters in this area will be reviewed and shared as well as the opportunity to practise relevant clinical methods.

The course will focus on giving delegates practical experience and skills that they can apply in their clinical work.

For more information about what to expect from the course, watch a brief introduction from course leader Steven Vogel.

Learning outcomes

Understand the pathophysiology and epidemiology of cervical artery dysfunction

Clarify the relationship between manual therapy technique and risk when evaluating and treating the neck

Identify risk factors for cervical artery dysfunction

Gain experience of clinical reasoning and shared clinical decision making with patients

Enhance and apply clinical methods in the examination of neck and head pain presentations

This course is suitable for chiropractors, osteopaths, and physiotherapists.

About the course leaders

Roger Kerry is Associate Professor/Director of Postgraduate Education, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham. He is an experienced physiotherapist and academic with longstanding research and education interests in haemodynamics and manual therapy. He has published widely on clinical reasoning and risk related to cervical artery dysfunction. Roger is a member of the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapist working group for the International Framework for Examination of the Cervical Region for potential of Cervical Arterial Dysfunction prior to Orthopaedic Manual Therapy Intervention 2007-2017.

Steven Vogel is Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University College of Osteopathy in London, as well as Editor-in-Chief for The International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine. Most of Steven’s working time is spent on research and education at the University College of Osteopathy. He held a clinical post as an osteopath in an NHS primary care setting for many years. His recent research has focused on reassurance, communication and consent, and safety in manual therapy. He was the lead researcher in the largest UK study investigating patient and osteopath’s experience of risk management and adverse events and consent. Steven has published widely and been involved in the development of NICE’s clinical guidelines for low back pain and sciatica.

Important information

Please note that registration is from 9.00am and the course runs from 9.30-5.30pm. It is essential that you bring clinical methods equipment for testing cranial nerves and taking blood pressure.

Cancellation policy

The UCO regrets that no refunds can be made for cancelled places unless a substitute participant can be found. The UCO cannot guarantee that any course will run. In the event of your course being cancelled, all paid fees and deposits will be refunded in full.